U.S. Commerce Department to Honor SGMA for Export Efforts

The focus will be on exports when U.S. Commerce Department officials visit The Super Show®/20-03 to present SGMA International with the Department’s Export Achievement Certificate.

U.S. Commercial Service Officer Donald Businger will present the award to SGMA International President/CEO John Riddle during the 17th Annual Financial Day International at The Super Show/20-03 in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, January 19.

The Export Achievement Certificate honors U.S. exporters and organizations that help facilitate U.S. exports. The Certificate was created to recognize the importance that exporting has on the American economy and to U.S. businesses.

“I am pleased to receive this recognition on behalf of the sporting goods industry,” stated Riddle. “Our industry works diligently to market product globally.”

“Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S.,” said Businger. “And, because the world’s consumers appreciate the quality of American-made products, our companies enjoy a competitive advantage in most countries.”

Although there are nearly 23 million small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S., Commerce Department officials say that only about 1% export. He notes that U.S. exports of sporting goods and equipment totaled $1.8 billion in 2001.

“Our job is to explain the benefits of exporting, identify best markets, and find qualified buyers,” adds Businger.

The Super Show is a venue for the U.S. Commercial Service’s International Buyer Program, which brings qualified buyers and sellers together and provides technical assistance to facilitate a transaction. Commercial Service officers overseas have recruited and are escorting delegations of buyers from more than 20 countries. U.S. Commercial Service personnel from the U.S. and throughout the world have worked to match buyers and sellers in a process that started long before the show opens and will continue after it closes.

Exhibitors and international visitors are welcome at the on-site “U.S. Commercial Service Center for International Commerce,” where export counseling, international market briefings, and other services will be available. The Center will be located next to The Super Show Registration at the Sands Exposition.